Molly's Travels: South Africa, 2017 and Asia, 2012

Tag Archives: New Jersey

And the Wanderlust Traveler is at it again. Never one to sit still for too long, I have accepted a communications position in New Jersey–a state I have only crossed by bus and train.

While the grand (I can’t actually confirm this descriptor) state of New Jersey may not appear that exotic–let me assure you, it looks nothing like Oklahoma, Texas, or DC or Italy, India, Nepal, or Thailand. At least not on Google Maps.

But I couldn’t be filled with more excitement and optimism. I am far from done seeing, exploring, hearing, tasting, smelling, and feeling the world around me…but for now, I am going to work on changing my corner of the world–the New Jersey suburbs and the greater NYC area.

I have studied politics, art, languages, philosophy, and history–but my heart is still captivated by a love for people, culture, and places. And in a sense, I am taking on a new world and a new culture–a new professional industry (not quite along the lines of international development).

And I have found a job that gives me one of the best and worst feelings I have ever known. After months of searching. After hundreds of applications, cover letters, and resumes. After dozens of interviews.

And what is this feeling? If you’ve ever been on stage, there are those few seconds standing in the wings, your heart pounding, your mind and pulse racing. It’s a feeling I haven’t really felt since I stepped of the stage two years ago. The feeling is one that drives me to do my best, but I have as of yet had trouble trying to figure out how to reincorporate it into my life (working, grad school, research, volunteering, and job searching sometimes-just sometimes-take precedence over theater).

Acting for me is a passion. I love being on stage and the energy of a live audience. I know the satisfaction of nailing a scene–lines well-delivered and emotion authentic–after hours of practice and preparation.

But no matter how much you love the drama, catharsis, organic laughter, and a job well-done–there are those moments, waiting in the wings full of anticipation. Because every time I walked out on that stage was a challenge to rise to my potential and an opportunity to improve. Each show (whether it’s Opening Night or the Sunday Matinee) requires the same energy.

So many jobs I applied for and so many futures I’d envisioned seemed to trap this Wanderlust Traveler. But this will be an adventure–full of the nervous anticipation, the excitement of a challenge. The feeling of a new beginning, new people, new location, new job is one that invigorates and frightens me–promising not to leave me bored, but also asking of me to show up each day ready to take on new challenges with dedication and energy. The drive to continually improve.

Finished preparing and practicing, I am waiting in the wings excited by possibility. (And that’s all this Wanderlust Traveler ever wanted in the first place, to dream and make possible).